Endangered Species Act 'reform' could threaten these NW icons

The EndangeredSpecies Act – the 43-year-old bulwark against extinction – may itself be endangered.

Last week, a U.S. Senate committee held a hearing on how to “modernize” the act, which slows extractive industries popular with the ruling Republican part and some Democrats. Critics contend the act infringes on property rights and the states’ ability to regulate their own industries.

Proponents point to the dozens of iconic species that have been brought back from the verge in part through protections contained in the act. Check out the gallery below for a look at some of the endangered and threatened creatures best loved in the Northwest.

The Endangered Species Act may be in trouble. Take a look at some of the Northwest's iconic creatures protected under the 1973 law.

The Endangered Species Act may be in trouble. Take a look at some of the Northwest's iconic creatures protected under the 1973 law.

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The Endangered Species Act may be in trouble. Take a look at some of the Northwest's iconic creatures protected under the 1973 law.

The Endangered Species Act may be in trouble. Take a look at some of the Northwest's iconic creatures protected under the 1973 law.

Endangered Species Act 'reform' could threaten these NW icons

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The Endangered Species Act was part of the sweeping environmental reforms enacted under the Nixon administration. It has saved the bald eagle, California condor, gray wolves, black-footed ferret, American alligator and Florida manatee from likely extinction.

“Sen. James M. Inhofe, R-Okla., repeated a point made by Barrasso that of more than 1,600 species listed as threatened or endangered since the act's inception, fewer than 50 have been removed.

“‘That's about 3 percent of the total, the chairman said. "As a doctor, if I admit 100 patients to the hospital and only three recover enough to be discharged, I would deserve to lose my medical license,’ Inhofe said.

“There was no discussion on the committee about the stability of species that were listed and recovered as a result of the act, and also no discussion of continued human expansion into the habitats of hundreds of species as their numbers dwindle.”